President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently acquainted himself with a comprehensive presentation outlining initiatives in ecology, environmental protection, and waste management, alongside future plans for Uzbekistan, the presidential press service reported.
A pivotal moment in this endeavor was the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-14) of the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, which convened in Samarkand from February 12 to 17. This gathering saw participation from over 2,000 delegates representing more than 130 countries. Notably, the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species of Wild Animals for 2024-2032 was ratified, along with the launch of the Global Partnership on Environmental Dependence (GPEC) initiative.
Uzbekistan’s election as president of the UN Convention for 2024-2026 marked acknowledgment of its commitment to global environmental initiatives. Furthermore, the establishment of the first representative office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Central Asia, located in Tashkent, signifies a regional commitment to conservation efforts. Additionally, agreements were made to establish a representative office of the UN Environment Program in Uzbekistan, further solidifying the country's dedication to environmental protection.
Collaborating with the World Bank, Uzbekistan has embarked on a significant project to establish six transboundary protected natural areas in Central Asia. This effort includes the signing of several crucial agreements between Central Asian countries and international organizations, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in environmental conservation.
In line with these initiatives, President Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of continued cooperation and outlined plans for Uzbekistan's environmental action plan. Notable among the presented projects is the "Restoration of Sustainable Forest Landscapes in Uzbekistan," funded by the International Development Association at a cost exceeding $205mn over six years. This project aims to expand forest territories, enhance forestry infrastructure, promote sustainable management practices, and develop ecotourism infrastructure.
Moreover, the presentation highlighted efforts to improve waste management systems in Uzbekistan. With an average annual production of 6.8 mn tons of household waste, the country faces challenges in waste processing and recycling. To address this, measures outlined in a recent presidential decree focus on incentivizing waste management activities, categorizing waste, and implementing stricter regulations to curb illegal dumping.
Plans to optimize household waste landfills and establish enterprises for waste-derived products are underway. The introduction of special economic zones around landfill areas aims to attract investments, while projects like those in the Andijan district, which convert organic waste into fertilizer and electricity, serve as promising models for sustainable waste management.
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